103/17 Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 5th December 2017

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council meeting, held on 5th December 2017 be confirmed as a correct record, and signed by Cllr Susman and adopted by the Council.

104/17. Review of Action Plan from above meetings

The Action plan was NOTED.

105/17. Questions by residents of Shenley Parish

There were none.

106/17. Reports of Committee, Members and Clerk

Hertsmere Local Plan – Update

The meeting NOTED that they had all seen the email from MP Oliver Dowden.

Neighbourhood Plan – Update

Councillor Beaton informed the meeting that they have been advised by the independent advisor to complete the Neighbourhood Plan as soon as possible. The date of the next Steering Group meeting is to be arranged.

Pond Lights

Councillor Susman informed the meeting that he has a site meeting on 03/01/18 with AGA Bioengineering to get a quote for the pond lights.

Pursley Field – Update

The contract is now ready to sign. Cllr Susman is now finalising the figures.

Harris Lane/Rookery Field

The meeting was informed that the hoop will be installed by end March 2018.

Allotments

Nothing to report

Shenley Fete

Cllr Beaton informed the meeting that the stall booking emails have now been sent out.

Media Committee

Nothing to report.

CSP

Nothing to report.

Police – Safer Neighbourhood Newsletter

Information was noted.

Shenley Park Trust

Councillor Spencer informed the meeting that the SPT met in December.

107/17. Correspondence

Receipt of the following correspondence was reported and noted:

108/17. Planning Applications

The following planning applications were before the meeting. The meeting AGREED that;

With regards to;

17/2292/HSE

3 Old Nursery Close, Shenley, Hertfordshire, WD7 9FD

Single storey rear extension

The meeting OBJECTED to this application as Permitted Development Rights have been removed and the owners would have been aware of this when they purchased the property.

With regards to;

17/2395/FUL

Thatched Cottage, Silver Hill, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire

Erection of pre-fabricated building to provide temporary accommodation for a period of 3 years.

IN THE VILLAGE HALL, LONDON ROAD, SHENLEY

AGENDA

3 To receive the Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 16 March 2017.

4 To consider Any Matters Arising from the Above Minutes.

5 To receive the Report of the Chair of the Parish Council.

6 To receive the Report on the Sir Richard Cox Charity.

7 To receive the Report on the Accounts of Shenley Parish Council.

8 UPDATE ON THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN:-

9 Any Questions and Matters of Local Interest Raised by Electors Present. Notice of questions must be received in writing by the Clerk at least one day before the meeting to ensure a verbal reply at the meeting.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council meeting, held on 2nd January 2018 be confirmed as a correct record, and signed by Cllr Susman and adopted by the Council.

114/17. Review of Action Plan from above meetings

The Action plan was NOTED.

115/17. Questions by residents of Shenley Parish

The Chairman welcomed the residents present to the meeting and invited them to address the meeting.

Mr and Mrs Treacher together with Dr Ramani addressed the meeting regarding the sale by Hertfordshire County Councils of areas of common land. One such area in Well End has now been fenced off and cannot be accessed by members of the public which goes against common land. Dr Ramani emphasised his concerns regarding the length of time enforcement of common land will take.

Following a lengthy discussion County Councillor Morris Bright confirmed that he has been in touch with Mrs Treacher and is awaiting an answer for Hertfordshire County Council regarding the issue of common land. The response will be received by 09/02/18.

The Parish Council AGREED to wait for County Councillor Bright’s response before they take action.

Mr and Mrs Midson addressed the meeting regarding speeding along Black Lion Hill, which is an ongoing issue.

Following a discussion it was AGREED that the Clerk would chase Hertfordshire Highways department concerning the smiling traffic sign and also request an additional sign for Black Lion Hill past the Tesco roundabout on the way down Black Lion Hill, as well as the traffic survey. It was also requested that a BEWARE CONCEALED ENTRANCE sign be erected near the Midson’s home. It was also suggested that there should be a double white line to prevent overtaking and that the speed of traffic be reduced to past Clore Shalom School to 30mph. County Councillor Bright emphasised that expectations need to be realistic in what can be achieved. Perhaps there is a possibility to decrease the speed of traffic during school hours.

Finally residents of Ribston Close addressed the meeting concerning planning application 17/2444/HSE. The application increases the 4 bedroom property to a 6 bedroom property and the neighbours feel this is overpowering and will change the street scene. The proposed plans include an increase of the garden which is parallel to the bridleway and the new suggested parking will adversely affect neighbours.

Councillor Spencer said he would call this in to the planning committee to be discussed.

It was at this point that County Councillor Morris Bright was asked questions concerning Hertsmere’s local plan. Councillors Beaton and Gilligan stressed extreme concern about the housing numbers being proposed by Hertsmere Borough Council (HBC), as the Government figures are 3,720 and HBC are proposing around 9,000 homes. Councillor Bright explained that a different methodology had been used to achieve the numbers due to the age of the Hertsmere Borough Council’s Core Strategy. The number of houses will be confirmed in March. Councillor Bright emphasised that HBC do not want to build 9,000 homes in Hertsmere.

Councillor Beaton asked about the suggestion that 1,000 will be built across Shenley and Elstree, with in fact most of these being built in Shenley. Councillor Bright informed the meeting that 100 possible sites are being reviewed and no decisions have been made.

Councillor Beaton said how disappointed the representatives of the Parish Council had been when they attended a meeting with HBC following the Neighbourhood Plan letter that was sent the HBC, only to be told that no questions would be answered. Councillor Bright emphasised that regular contact is needed between all parties concerned.

Councillor Bright went on to stress several more points.

Infrastructure is important when reviewing the possible site.

HBC public consultation has only just happened

The preferred site options will not be available till October 2018

The plans will be produced in 2019

The examination period will happen in 2020

The local plan will be adopted in 2021

Councillor Bright stressed that the release of the Green Belt will only happen if it is essential. He is happy to provide regular updates for the Parish Council and is happy to be copied into correspondence and help where he can. The Chairman and those present thanked the County Councillor for his time.

The chairman thanked everyone for attending and invited them to say for the duration of the meeting if they wished.

116/17. Reports of Committee, Members and Clerk

(i) Question from resident regarding extending the Christmas Lights

Councillor Susman informed the meeting that 4 additional lamps along Porters Park Drive will be used this year as 4 of the usual lamppost columns cannot be used. Councillor Susman will inform the resident. Following a discussion it was decided that we would not extend the lights along Porters Park Drive.

(ii) Website – Update on using an outside company

The Clerk informed the meeting that she was getting quotes from companies to redo the website which will then need to be maintained in house

(iii) GDPR – update

The Clerk informed the meeting that she was speaking to the internal auditor about becoming our GDPR officer

(iv) Hertsmere Local Plan – Update

See point 115/17

(v) Neighbourhood Plan – Update

Councillor Beaton informed the meeting that the next Steering Group meeting will be on 20/2/18 and will be focusing on the results from the Housing and Development Questionnaire.

(vi) Pond Lights

Councillor Susman updated the meeting on what AGA Bioengineering have quoted with regards to the pond lights as well as the maintenance of the woodwork. See point 119/17 (v)

(vii) Pursley Field – Update

Nothing to report

(viii) Harris Lane/Rookery Field

Councillor Susman informed the meeting that the goal hoop is now in place in Harris Lane and is being used.

(ix) Allotments

Nothing to report

(x) Shenley Fete

Cllr Beaton informed the meeting that the stall bookings are going well and the date of the Fete is 01/07/18.

(xi) Media Committee

The website has been updated and Shenley Village Matters is due to go the printers for the end of the week.

(xii) CSP

Nothing to report.

(xiii) Police – Safer Neighbourhood Newsletter

Information was noted.

(xiv) Shenley Park Trust

The AGM will be taking place on Monday 26th March at 7.30pm in the tea rooms

(xv) Review of workload

This will be reviewed at the March meeting.

117/17. Correspondence

(i) Receipt of the following correspondence was reported and noted:

Hertfordshire Victim Care Centre

Information for victims- booklet available to view at meeting

Hertfordshire County Council

Traffic & Transport data report 2017 – available to view at meeting

118/17. Planning Applications

The following planning applications were before the meeting. The meeting AGREED that;

(1) Subject to Hertsmere Borough Council taking into consideration any comments of neighbouring owners/occupiers, the Parish Council raises no objection to the following proposal.

Erection of two storey side extension, single storey rear extension and Outbuilding to rear garden.

17/2473/HSE

55 Greenwood Gardens, Shenley, Hertfordshire, WD7 9LF

Single storey rear extension

17/2453/CLP

37 Greenwood Gardens Shenley Hertfordshire WD7 9LF

Erection of single storey rear conservatory. Certificate of lawful development (proposed).

17/2417/FUL

University College London Sports Ground And Watford Football Club Training

Ground Bell Lane London Colney Hertfordshire

Installation of temporary pitch cover/inflatable dome

*18/0166/CLP

110 London Road Shenley Hertfordshire WD7 9BS

Conversion of garage to habitable room to include new window in front elevation. (Certificate of Lawful Development – Proposed)

*18/0138/HSE

11 Trafford Close Shenley Hertfordshire WD7 9HU

Conversion of loft to habitable room including rear dormer

With regards to;

17/2477/FUL

Villa Scalabrini Green Street Shenley Hertfordshire

Construction of a 2 storey rear extension to include a basement level to Provide a hydro pool and physio room at ground floor and 4 additional

Bedrooms at 1st and 2nd floor levels, and first floor rear extension to create a new dining area.

The meeting did NOT object to the application, however this would be subject to flood risk.

With regards to;

17/2484/HSE

27 Fielders Way Shenley Hertfordshire WD7 9EY

First floor front extension; conversion of garage into habitable room and Single storey rear extension.

The meeting did NOT object to the application, however did question the parking compliance.

With regards to;

17/2494/OUT

Land North Of Potters Lane Borehamwood Hertfordshire

Outline planning application for the erection of 58 dwellings to include access And layout. (all other matters reserved)

The meeting did NOT object to the application, however the meeting did stress that this had been an area identified for future development as part of the Shenley Neighbourhood Plan and therefore would request the 58 houses are taken from the total for the Shenley housing allocation

With regards to;

17/2493/OUT

Land Off Cowley Hill Borehamwood Hertfordshire

Outline planning application for the provision of a 2 form entry primary school To include access (all other matters reserved).

The meeting did NOT object to the application, however the meeting did question the distance of the school from the Elstree way Corridor which forms its catchment area.

With regards to;

17/2458/HSE

47 North Avenue Shenley Hertfordshire WD7 9DF

Part single, part two storey rear extension and installation of solar panels to Rear pitch.

The meeting OBJECTED to this application on the grounds that:-

The development is too large

The development is not in keeping with the street scene

With regards to;

17/2459/HSE

45 North Avenue Shenley Hertfordshire WD7 9DF

Part single, part two storey rear extension

The meeting OBJECTED to this application on the grounds that:-

The development is too large

The development is not in keeping with the street scene

With regards to;

17/2444/HSE

23 Ribston Close Shenley Hertfordshire WD7 9JW

Conversion of garage to habitable room; ground and first floor side Extensions. Erection of storage unit in rear garden.

The meeting OBJECTED to this application on the grounds that:-

The development is too large

The development is not in keeping with the Green Belt

The development is not in keeping with the street scene

The proposed development will effect neighbours parking

The proposed increase of the garden will have a negative effect on the parallel bridleway.

With regards to;

17/2518/HSE

6 Old Nursery Close Shenley Hertfordshire WD7 9FD

Single storey side and rear extension to include reduction in size of existing Car port, and cladding to first floor front elevation.

The meeting OBJECTED to this application as Permitted Development Rights have been removed and the owners would have been aware of this when they purchased the property.

(i)Other planning matters were noted, and

(ii)The council instructs the Clerk to advise Hertsmere Borough Council accordingly.

(*Denotes that at this point, the Council moved to discuss planning applications which had been brought to its attention at the meeting. They were proposed and seconded.)

119/17. Financial matters

(I) Accounts for payment –January 2018 meeting

Payment To

Reason

Total Amount

William Susman

Reimburse for Christmas event

71.45

Fay Gough

Cleaning toilet, office (December payment)

32.00

Bob Gough

Grounds Maintenance 10th & 11th cuts (December payment)

768.00

Mrs Amanda Leboff

Reimburse thank you gifts

149.00

John O’Conner

November grounds maintenance

144.00

Shenley Methodist Church

Hire of Village Hall – NP = £7, SPC = £14

21.00

E.ON

The Cage

10.27

E.ON

Harris Lane Pavilion

143.89

Mrs Amanda Leboff

Wages

1087.72

HMRC

Payment

212.58

Mrs Amanda Leboff

Reimburse monthly Xero payment

32.40

BT

Office phone and broadband (October bill)

84.51

Royal British Legion

6 x Event poppies

48.00

PC Express

Annual PC support and maintenance

126.00

Hertfordshire CCTV partnership

Spur on Porters Park Drive (column 39)

216.00

Fay Gough

Cleaning toilet, office (January payment)

40.00

Bob Gough

Grounds Maintenance 12th & 13th cuts (January payment)

768.00

Waverley Driving Group

Donation as way of a thank you for taking Santa around Shenley

150.00

Maine Business Systems PLC

Repair to photocopier

114.00

TOTAL

4218.82

Following a proposal and seconder, it was:-

RESOLVED that at the February 2018 meeting, accounts for January 2018 (£4,218.82), be approved for payment.

(II) Following a proposal and seconder, it was:-RESOLVED that the monthly budget monitoring report be approved.

(III) Following a proposal and seconder, it was:-RESOLVED that the monthly petty cash report be approved

(IV) Section 137 Grant Requests: –

Clore Shalom Primary School request for £1,312.50 to help towards the cost of swimming coach expenses (£1,260.00 given in 2017, £1,000 given in 2015 and 2016)

Following a proposer and a seconder it was RESOLVED to approve a donation of £1,312.50.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council meeting, held on 7th November 2017 be confirmed as a correct record, and signed by Cllr Susman and adopted by the Council.

94/17. Review of Action Plan from above meetings

The Action plan was NOTED.

95/17. Questions by residents of Shenley Parish

The chairman took the opportunity to welcome members of the press and public to the meeting.

The Chair invited Susan Whitehead to address the meeting concerning the retrospective application that is going to appeal for Woodland Yard. Residents are concerned that HBC will not represent them adequately against the appeal as was the case previously. At the original appeal they were only allowed 1 pitch which is now being appealed against. The appeal will be heard on 21st December. Cllr Spencer ensured the meeting that HBC will be well represented this time. It was noted that HBC have still not fulfilled their quota of gypsy site provisions. Councillors Gilligan, Spencer and Susman said they will attend the appeal and Cllr Gilligan will speak against it on behalf of the residents.

The Chairman then welcomed the residents opposing planning application 17/1872/FUL. The residents said they had accepted the original plan for a 3 bedroom house as they appreciate the need for new housing. However the new building is far larger and breaches the distance allowed between a new build development and an existing property. It was NOTED the application has been called to committee. It was requested that Councillor Susman attend the meeting and speak against the application as the community advocate (please see point 98/17).

(ii) Data Protection – Report to Full Council to be noted

The Council NOTED the report.

(iii) Hertsmere Local Plan – Update (see point 99/17(iv)

Following a lengthy discussion the meeting AGREED the employ Imagineplaces to support the Parish Council at the Local Plan meeting on 07/12/17.

(iv) Neighbourhood Plan – Update

Councillors Hussain informed the meeting that the recent grant request has been approved. Cllr Gilligan said the draft site allocation proposals are due in the next few weeks.

(v) Gates at the Entrance to Shenley

Following a discussion the meeting AGREED that this will be deferred as it was felt to be an unnecessary cost at present.

(vi) Pond Lights

Councillor Susman has meetings to finalise this. Cllr Hussain informed the meeting that residents have requested a “Do Not Feed the Ducks” sign at the pond. It was AGREED that this would be looked into.

(vii) Pursley Field – Update

Nothing to report.

(viii) Harris Lane/Rookery Field

Thanks to Gristwood and Toms for removing the fallen tree and relocating the bees next. It was AGREED that the cost of a tree survey be looked into for all the trees in Harris Lane and Rookery Field.

(ix) Allotments

The Clerk informed the meeting that the next meeting is on 12/12/17.

(x) Shenley Fete

Nothing to report.

(xi) Future Initiative Events

The coming months are:-

Chanukah Saturday 16th December 5.30-6.30pm

Santa’s Ride around Sunday 17th December 11.30am starting at the pond

Christmas at the Cage Sunday 17th December 5.30-6.30pm

Councillors were asked to support and help at these events

(xii) Media Committee

Nothing to report.

(xiii) CSP

Information was noted.

(xiv) Police Update

Nothing to report.

(xv) Shenley Park Trust

Councillor Spencer informed the meeting the next meeting on 11th December.

The meeting OBJECTED to this application as it is felt it is an inappropriate development within the green belt as commented on by residents. It was also NOTED that it was a shame to have lost the name of such a landmark within the village.

With regards to

17/1872/FUL

Land Rear Of Summerhill And Northfields, King Edward Road, Shenley, Hertfordshire,

Construction of detached, 2 storey 4 bed house with accommodation within the roof space, associated landscaping, parking and bike store.

The meeting OBJECTED to this application on the grounds that:-

The development is too big

*It is an overdevelopment within the greenbelt

*The application goes against policies H8 & H11

*This is a tandem back garden development which is unacceptable

*The new height of the building will result in the neighbouring properties such as “Pen Y Bryn” having the light blocking the only window in a habitable room

*The original 3 bedroom application was reluctantly accepted by neighbours who acknowledge the need for new housing.

*The new development breaches the distance allowed between a new build development and an existing property.

With regards to

17/2265/HSE

8 Southerton Way Shenley Hertfordshire WD7 9LJ

Partial conversion of double garage to habitable room and first floor side extension.

The meeting do NOT object to the application as long as there is sufficient parking.

17/2239/HSE

10 Old Nursery Close Shenley Hertfordshire WD7 9FD

Single Storey Side Extension

The meeting OBJECTED to this application as Permitted Development Rights have been removed and the owners would have been aware of this when they purchased the property.

(i)Other planning matters were noted, and

(ii)The council instructs the Clerk to advise Hertsmere Borough Council accordingly.

(*Denotes that at this point, the Council moved to discuss planning applications which had been brought to its attention at the meeting. They were proposed and seconded.)

99/17. Financial matters

(I) Accounts for payment –November 2017 meeting

Payment To

Reason

Total Amount

BT

Office Phone And Broadband (October Bill)

89.52

William Susman

Reimburse Item For Halloween And Disposable Glasses For Events

90.83

Petty Cash

Petty Cash – Amount To Take Up To £200 Imprest System For October 2017

188.94

Banner

Stationary

51.91

Mrs Amanda Leboff

Expenses – Xero Monthly Payment X 2 & Reimburse For Banners

145.14

Hertsmere Borough Council

Resurfacing The Allotment Entrance

2194.80

Richard Archer

Reimburse For Survey Monkey Sept & Oct – Neighbourhood Plan

70.00

John O’Conner

November Grounds Maintenance

144.00

Hertfordshire County Council

Stationary

17.98

Imagine Places

Neighbourhood Plan Support

2688.00

Imagine Places

Neighbourhood Plan Support

318.00

Shenley Methodist Church

Hire Of Hall- Np

14.00

E.ON

The Cage

8.33

HAPTC

Ne Editions Of Good Councillor Guide X 10 Copies

30.00

Mrs Amanda Leboff

Wages

1087.92

HMRC

Payment

212.38

MJD Presentation Systems

Label Tape

17.40

Groundwork UK

Reimburse Part Of Np Grant

888.00

BT

Office Phone And Broadband (November Bill)

105.13

Bob Gough

Grounds Maintenance (November Payment)

384.00

Fay Gough

Cleaning Toilet, Office (November Payment)

32.00

Imagineplaces

Local Plan Support

672.00

Petty Cash

Petty Cash – Amount To Take Up To £200 Imprest System For November 2017

169.97

TOTAL

9620.25

Following a proposal and seconder, it was:-

RESOLVED that the October 2017 meeting accounts for November 2017 (£9,620.25), be approved for payment.

(II) Following a proposal and seconder, it was:-RESOLVED that the monthly budget monitoring report be approved.

(III) Following a proposal and seconder, it was:-RESOLVED that the monthly petty cash report be approved

(IV) Section 137 Grant Requests: –

Sir Richard Cox Charity request for the sum of £440 towards donations. Following a proposer and a seconder it was RESOLVED to approve to give £800 this year.

(V) It was RESOLVED to ACCEPT the proposal to spend £2,200 in the first year to use an outside company to take on responsibility as GDPR controller

(VI) The Council AGREED NOT to employ Imagineplaces to find faults with Hertsmere’s emergency local plan – £2,520(Inc. vat). However it was RESOLVED to employ Imagineplaces to support the Parish Council at the Local Plan meeting – £672 Inc. VAT

100/17. The meeting ended at 9.20p.m. Chairman

ACTION LIST – TUESDAY 5 DECEMBER 2017

provision

action

by

action

Planning Applications

Letter to Hertsmere Borough Council advising of the Council’s opinions.

Clerk

Actioned

Pond lights

Hire of lighting designer to plan what is needed

Clerk & Cllr Susman

ASAP

Police

Ask Police to attend Council meeting

Clerk

ASAP

Planning Application

17/1872/FUL

Ask if Cllr Susman can be a Community Advocate for planning application 17/1872/FUL

On Tuesday 14th November we held the annual Christmas Lights switch on. Community support was brilliant and twice as many attended as last year.

Ben Caplan our charming local celebrity kindly came along to press the magic button to turn on the lights after an enthusiastic countdown. To our delight it all worked.

A big thank you to Gristwood & Toms who donated a big Christmas Tree and kindly installed it and to the Shenley Fete Committee for donating money to buy the new Christmas lights which Gristwoods installed.

It was a wonderfully festive occasion much appreciated by all present. The Parish Council laid on a delightful free reception with wine, soft drinks and nibbles for all who came along to watch and Novita kindly donated delicious pizzas and bottles of wine for everyone to enjoy after the switching on ceremony.

It was another well supported enjoyable community gathering. Quite a tradition now!

Special thanks to Amanda Leboff our lovely Parish Clerk for organising everything so well as always, William Susman for setting up the sound system and ‘plunger’ and being master of ceremonies, Guy Beaton for taking photos and to all helpers who helped organise the refreshments and cleared up afterwards.

Don’t forget to come to

Channukah at the Cage on Saturday 16th December 5.30 – 6.30pm

Santa at the Cage on Sunday 17th December 5.30 – 6.30pm

Santa will be riding round Shenley, starting his journey from the Cage at 11.30am in the morning on Sunday 17th December.

On Sunday 12th November at 10.45 a large number of Villagers gathered at the War Memorial near the Cage Pond to take part in the annual remembrance ceremony to honour all those brave men and women who gave their lives for us in World War 1 and 2 and in other conflicts round the world since then.

Hertsmere Borough Councillors Peter Rutledge and his partner Jane West were in attendance representing the Mayor of Hertsmere.

They walked down London Road from St Martin’s Church with Rev. Daniel McCarthy and many other villagers. Daniel lead the Ceremony with Rabbi Alan Garber and representatives from the Methodist Church.

There was also representation by the Emergency Services and many other local organisations including our local schools and scouting groups.

After the ceremony many went back to the Village Hall to enjoy refreshments provided by the Parish Council and served by the WI. It was so interesting to be able to look at the display of Shenley Archive material, photos and books organised by Liz Trott.

Many thanks to all those who took part, to the WI, to Liz Trott, Amanda Leboff and all other helpers.

Following a presentation by ‘SaferPlaces’, of their Services and Support, at the Offices of Hertsmere Borough Council, Borehamwood, I feel that it is important to share this information with you, the ‘Community of Shenley’, which shocked me by the statistics and cases, but made me aware of the different forms of ‘Abuse’, in existence within ‘OurCommunity’, which is neither normal nor acceptable.

A ‘Caring Relationship’ should make you feel loved, respected, safe and free to be yourself!

An ‘Abusive Relationship’ can make you feel scared, controlled and intimidated!

If you think that you are suffering from Domestic Abuse, then you probably are!

The different forms of Abuse can be: Physical, Psychological/Emotional, Financial or Sexual.

Domestic Abuse can be abusive behaviour from a Spouse, Partner, or Family Member and is used to make the other person fear the ‘Abused’, and leading them to do what they want!

It usually begins with small things, but gets much worse!

‘Safer Places’ is an independent charity which provides a comprehensive range of services to: Men, Women and Children affected by ‘Domestic and Sexual Abuse’, who live in Essex and Hertfordshire.

The people who use these Services are at the heart of the organisation and aim to work closely with them to enable them to overcome the impact of their experience and to build a brighter and safe future.

‘Domestic Abuse’ and social isolation rob people of their confidence, self-esteem and their hope for the future. The organisation work with the survivors of Domestic Abuse, to help them recover, to empower them, to rebuild their lives, and go on to achieve for themselves things they might once have thought of as impossible.

Finally, most important, if you think you fall into any of these categories, and need help or advice or fear reporting them, please do not hesitate in contacting ‘SaferPlaces’:

From 1st January, 2018 will be designated the ‘Hertfordshire Year of Physical Activity’ and will see a number of organisations from both in, and out of the sporting arena working together in support of making Hertfordshire the most active county.

Driven by the Hertfordshire County Council and Herts Sports Partnership, the campaign builds on previous ‘Years of’ which have already taken place for cycling, walking, mental health and volunteering. Approximately one in every five adults in Hertfordshire currently does less than thirty minutes of activity per week, and so it is hoped that the opportunities for participating in large scale events will help to improve this statistic.

The campaign, known informally as Herts YOPA, will follow a format of themed months which highlight particular target groups including women and girls; New Year, New You; workplace wellbeing and older adults among others. A friendly mascot will be making its way around Hertfordshire to many local events, and to encourage children and adults alike to get involved.

John O’Callaghan, Director at Herts Sports Partnership said: ‘We are pleased to be one of the leading organisations in what will hopefully be a momentous year for sport and physical activity in Hertfordshire. We continually strive to get more people, more active, more often, and are thankful to our partners’ ongoing support in doing so.’

Over the coming months there will be opportunities for clubs and organisations to promote their own activities through social media messages linked to the campaign.